Mary Allen
Almost every second cat in Germany is overweight. Obesity in cats often results in serious diseases. Learn how to identify obesity in your cat and help them lose weight in a healthy way.
Most cats get a treat here and there in addition to their food. No problem as long as this little snack remains the exception. Because please consider: If the cat eats even ten more calories a day than it uses up, that makes 3650 calories after a year. And they add up to a whole pound of body fat! If you keep going like this, your cat could become seriously ill if there is too much fat on its ribs.
When Is The Cat Too Fat?
At what point is a cat considered overweight? In general, the rule of thumb is:
- 15 percent over ideal weight ► Cat is already slightly overweight
- More than 30 percent over ideal weight ► Cat is obese!
Cat Is Overweight – What Diseases Threaten?
Being slightly overweight does not usually affect the cat’s health. Severe overweight or even obesity, also known as obesity, can lead to serious illnesses!
Possible diseases due to obesity:
- diabetes mellitus
- osteoarthritis
- fatty liver
- indigestion
- bladder infections
- skin problems
The ideal weight of a cat is not easy to determine and also depends on its individual top form. Instead of absolute body weight, it is, therefore, more advisable to examine a cat’s figure more closely for assessment.
The following characteristics will tell you whether your cat is too thin or too fat – or at best has the ideal weight:
Very Thin
- Ribs, vertebrae, and pelvic bones very visible with short hair
- significant loss of muscle mass
- Chest without a fat layer
Skinny
- Ribs, vertebrae, pelvic bones are visible
- Waist clearly visible
- Chest with a very thin layer of fat
Ideal
- Well proportioned
- Ribs and vertebrae are not visible but can be felt
- waist visible
- Chest with a thin layer of fat
- little belly fat
Overweight
- Ribs and backbone difficult to feel
- Waist difficult to see
- Chest, back, abdomen with fat layer
Obese
- Ribs, spine, chest, and abdomen with a very thick layer of fat
- Abdominal girth significantly increased
If you’re not sure what weight class your cat belongs to, it’s best to have your vet assess it!
My Cat Is Too Fat – What To Do?
If you have determined that your cat is overweight, then you must carefully change its diet. Be sure to ask your vet for advice on this. Because if the cat loses too much weight too quickly, this can lead to metabolic disorders. Regular weight checks are therefore essential when dieting!
If Slightly Overweight
If your cat is slightly overweight, it is often sufficient if you reduce the treats and small bites in between or switch to lower-calorie snacks. Tip: Keep a food diary over several weeks, honestly listing every meal and morsel your cat eats. You’ll soon see where your cat’s little rolls of fat come from and where you can cut calories.
In The Case Of Significant Overweight And Obesity
If your cat is significantly overweight or even obese, a planned diet is essential. Before doing this, however, have your cat checked by the vet to identify any medical conditions your cat may already have. Following the exams, your vet will calculate how many calories your cat is allowed to eat and suggest a diet accordingly. But be careful: the cat must not lose weight too quickly. If she loses more than two percent of her body weight per week, there is a risk of a metabolic disorder.
Special Diet Food Required!
If the overweight cat needs to lose weight, it usually makes sense to switch to special diet food. The big advantage of simply reducing the amount of food: Despite the reduced calories, the cat receives all the important nutrients and vital substances and is also well satiated. A pure quantitative reduction of the usual food could lead to the cat staying hungry and begging for food. This makes it very difficult to stick to the diet consistently.
Exercise Supports Weight Loss!
Spend plenty of time playing with your cat. Because exercise is ideal for helping your cat lose weight in a healthy way. So not only do the fat deposits melt. At the same time, it prevents muscles from being broken down. We have put together some ideas for cat games for you. Anyone who deals with their kitty on a daily basis will soon realize that not only salmon and liver sausage but time and attention are the best gifts you can give your cat!